Tips and tools for prick and stitch cards

Self-adhesive TapeThe thread is attached to the back of your prick and stitch card with self-adhesive tape. I use Scotch Magic Tape, as it is has good archival qualities. The adhesive is less likely to dry out and is less likely to bleed than standard tape.

I cut a number of strips of tape before I start stitching. These can be placed on the edge of a try or similar, ready for use. This saves a delay during stitching when you are ready to start the next thread.

Making the pricked holes less noticeable

Some people think that the holes on prick and stitch cards add to the design and others do not. To make the pricked holes less noticeable place your card face down on a hard surface. Rub gently across the stitch work with the back of a teaspoon. This will flatten the raised edges created when you prick the card and also when you push the needle through to stitch the pattern. Care should be taken not to disturb or stretch the thread. This is not recommended for cards that have beads on for obvious reasons.

Bead storage

It is worth investing in a bead storage box. It is handy to have all your beads in one place and easily accessible. Shops that sell beads will have bead storage boxes in a variety of sizes. See our useful links page for sources.

Bead trayA bead tray with a felt base will keep your beads in one place. There is no fear of them rolling off the edge of the table and getting lost on the floor. The felt stops the beads rolling about so they can be easily skewered with your beading needle.

A teaspoon is good for getting beads from your bead box or packet and also for rounding them up for storage. I find the teaspoon works better on tiny beads than a scoop sold for the purpose.

Shops that sell beads will have bead trays. See our useful links page for sources.

Protecting your stitch work in the post

Fold your card the wrong way so that the outside becomes the inside. This will protect the stitch work from any rough handling when the envelope goes through the post. This is particularly good if you have any beads or other raised objects on the front since these may otherwise be pushed through the envelope by sorting machines.

The recipient can quickly return the card to normal by refolding it the correct way. However, it is worth putting a note in explaining what you have done as some people may think you have made the card inside out.

Pricking mat

Pricking mats are usually made from felt or dense polyurethane foam. The typical size is 22 by 16 centimetres (9 by 6 inches) and 1 centimetre (1/2 inch) thick.

Improvised pricking mat

If you can not locate a pricking pad in your local craft store then you could make one from layers of thick felt or the type of foam padding used for upholstering furniture. Another possibility is an off-cut from a foam backed carpet. I have heard of people using a mouse mat but I do not think these are thick enough to allow a good penetration of the pricking pin.

Pricking tool

We recommend the Parchment Craft Single Needle Perforating Tool made by Pergamano (illustrated above). There is also a pricking tool made for Ornare pricking stencils. One of these should be available from your local craft shop. If not then from an Internet search.

Improvised pricking tool

You might be able to improvise a pricking tool from something you already have around your home such as a hat pin or a safety pin.

Check for missed pricked holes

When I have finished pricking the pattern on to the card I hold the card, with the pattern in place, up to the light. This shows any holes that may have been missed before the pricking pattern is removed.

Laminate your pattern to extend its life

Laminate your pattern with a standard 6 in x 4 in photo sleeve (approximately 150 mm x 100 mm). It allows you to use the same pattern many times without having to re-print it.This tip was sent in by Barry Radburn.

Light pencil lines

For a complicated pattern, lightly pencil in the lines. Your thread will cover the marks or they can be erased if needed. This is particularly helpful where the pattern includes human figures such as the surfer in the nautical set.This tip was sent in by Arlene Buchanan.

This article was originally published on the Stitching Cards website and is reproduced with kind permission.